"I think if we continue to work really hard to accept and care for each other as a community and as a society, the world can only get better." Ceara, Practice Assurance Advisor.
Image: Life Without Barriers staff and participants gathered in a group at the Adelaide Pride March, holding up a Pride Without Barriers banner.
This Saturday, 17 May 2025, is International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination (IDAHOBIT)—a day to stand together in support of LGBTQIA+ inclusion. It’s also a moment to reflect on our shared responsibility to create workplaces and communities where all people feel safe, respected, and able to thrive.
To celebrate IDAHOBIT, the Life Without Barriers LGBTQIA+ employee network, Pride Without Barriers, invited staff to share their reflections and answer some questions on the importance of visibility, belonging, and solidarity.
What is your vision for a more inclusive future for LGBTQIA+ people?
"My vision for the future is a world where the LGBTQIA+ community don't have to explain, justify, or hide who they truly are," said Japhia, Regional Practice Lead, Child, Youth and Family, Queensland.
"Its a future where people can live freely and truly as themselves without fear of judgment, hate or bigotry."
Image: Staff and carers gathered in a group, holding a sign with the text 'We love our Foster Carers!'.
"I live in a really gay part of Sydney, and sometimes I forget that not everyone feels as included as I do walking down the street," said Phil, National Manager of Strategic Growth Initiatives, Child, Youth and Family.
"My hope is that one day everyone will be able to feel like that, and they don't feel like they have to change who they are to be accepted in society."
"My vision would see people feel safe in their community and free to be able to be themselves," said Shaun, Operations Manager, Child, Youth and Family, South Australia.
"This future would see the barriers of privilege and see them broken down, not only for my friends, family and colleagues living today, but also for future generations."
Image: Life Without Barriers staff and participants gathered in a group at the 2024 Adelaide Pride March.
What is your message of hope for LGBTQIA+ people?
"My message of hope is that we can create safety for everyone to just show up and be themselves," said Phi, Resident Artist in South Australia.
"We can break beyond all of the socialised expectations, those stories that other people have decided about who we are and how we're meant to be in the world."
"Instead, we can spend some time getting to know ourselves and how fabulous we all are and then embrace that and celebrate it."
Image: Life Without Barriers staff dressed in fairy wings and rainbow accessories at the 2024 Adelaide Pride March.
"If you choose to accept people for who they are, you choose a better world. You choose a better world for me, but you also choose a better world for yourself, for your family, for people you know, and care about," shared Ceara, Practice Assurance Advisor.
"I think if we continue to work really hard to accept and care for each other as a community and as a society, the world can only get better."
How can people practice allyship?
"Being an ally now is more important than ever. It's not just about saying that you support the rainbow community, but it's about how you do this," said Japhia.
"That could be using someone's correct pronouns, or when you hear a hurtful joke or comment, standing up and responding to that."
"Most importantly, allyship is about listening to those within the LGBTQIA+ community and respecting their voices," said Japhia.
Image: A group photo of Life Without Barriers staff, carers, and the people we support at the 2024 Mardi Gras Parade.
"Allyship to me is mateship and leading with love and empathy. It's knowing that you can express yourself, be yourself, and not be met with anything but kindness and understanding back." shared Adrian, Disability Support Leader.
"It's learning and growing together. As long as we keep doing that, magic will happen."
"Allyship means knowing people will stand side by side with us queer folks, and that even when it becomes really uncomfortable, they'll still be there," said Ariel Lee, Project Officer, Equity and Lived Experience Team.
"Because it's those uncomfortable times when they come to know not just how to stand with us, but why to stand with us."
Image: A group of people stand with their backs to the camera. One individual wears a rainbow flag over their shoulders.
Can you share a positive example of Allyship at work?
"When I came out as trans and queer and changed my name and changed my pronouns, everybody was right behind it. It didn't matter that I was trying out a name and then another one to find what fit," reflected Ariel Lee.
"There was never a flinching moment where I doubted the support of the people I work with or not. For that I'm eternally grateful."
Image: Ariel, wearing a black top and tartan skirt, holds up a pink poster advertising foster care and smiles at the camera.
Life Without Barriers is committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued for who they are. Inclusion is not a box we tick—it’s central to who we are and who we aspire to be.
"At Life Without Barriers, we are proud to stand with our LGBTQIA+ colleagues and communities. For our organisation, inclusion isn't just a value. It's how we create real change and lasting change," said Michael Robinson, Deputy Chief Executive, Emerging Business.
"Together, we're building a future where everyone belongs."
Image: Four staff members sit on a couch, holding rainbow flags.
As we acknowledge IDAHOBIT, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a society together where everyone can belong, not only on 17 May, but every day.
By speaking out and standing together, we can continue to shape our workplaces and communities to be inclusive and respectful.
